Barton Community College will be searching for its fourth head volleyball coach in four years as Andrea Rasmussen is no longer at the helm of the Lady Cougars, according to Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs.
“She’s no longer an employee at the college,” Rolfs said. “As it is a personnel matter, I can’t comment further.”
The first-year coach, led the Lady Cougars to a 15-20 record this season, getting knocked from the postseason by No. 17-ranked Hutchinson in the NJCAA Region VI championship match.
“I am disappointed in the decision made by the administration after finishing 9-5 in the (Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference) and being one set shy of returning to the national championships for the third year in a row,” Rasmussen said in a text message statement. “I am very proud of the entire team as we improved each and every time we stepped on the floor and were able to compete against the highest level of competition throughout our season.
“I am thankful for the opportunities that lie in front of me and for the many that supported myself and the program throughout my time here.”
Rasmussen, whose departure was announced on Friday, took over this season after Patrick Hall left for Hutchinson after one season with Barton. Hall stepped in after Jamie Cabral was let go after the 2010 season.
Rasmussen was the assistant coach under both Hall and Cabral before stepping into the head coaching role for the 2012 season.
Rolfs said that Barton will begin looking for a new head coach.
“A national search will begin immediately, and we’ll look to continue the tradition of Barton volleyball,” Rolfs said.